Player says sorry, back in the team

A national Sevens player who was sent back to Samoa after the Wellington Sevens has apologised to the coach.

Siaosi Asofolau had apparently violated team protocol when he went out with friends after Samoa won the bowl final at the Wellington Sevens.

“He missed the bus to the airport because he went out with his friends when everyone else didn’t,” coach Damian McGrath told the Samoa Observer.

“I could understand that he wanted to catch up but we were on a full-time trip and we can’t afford to waste our time.”

Asofolau was disciplined and missed the Sydney Sevens.

But McGrath said he has apologised and is back at training. According to the Head Coach, the team has a ‘player leadership group’ and the group is very strong on discipline.

“I let them drive things and let them set the standards and rules to follow, which I think is very important in any team. “Siaosi came up short on one of the things and we had to do what had to be done.

“As much as we needed him for the Sydney series, we really wanted to show the boys that we cannot tolerate such behaviours then expect to get away with it.” McGrath said the Asofolau decision was a great lesson for other players.

“We wanted to show the boys that we are serious and we need to work as a team, on the field and outside of the field,” he said.

“We wanted to show everyone that we were not there just to enjoy, and that our team it is important to have the right attitude and discipline.”

McGrath said Asofolau regrets his behaviour. “He is embarrassed about what he did and about the consequences he had to face but he said he learnt a good lesson from this,” said McGrath.

“I had a long talk with him already and I want him back because he is such a good player and he wants to come. “I am hoping to put this behind us and move on. He [Siaosi] is definitely on my plans for Las Vegas.”